James Hjelle, 89, of Newfolden, Mn. passed away on Tuesday evening, Feb. 7, 2023 at the Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, Mn.
Funeral Service for James Hjelle will be held on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at 10:30am at Westaker Lutheran Church, Newfolden, MN with Military Honors.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at a later date at Westaker Cemetery, rural Newfolden.
James Dale Hjelle was born on October 4, 1933 in Marsh Grove Township, Marshall County, MN. to Hjalmer Hjelle and Hannah (Hanson) Hjelle. He was baptized at home. He was raised in the Newfolden area on the family farm, attented 8 years of country school in Marsh Grove and attended Westaker Free Lutheran church. On April 14, 1956 James was united in marriage to Betty McKeever. The couple were blessed with four children, Russell, Wayne, Sherry and Dean. Family and friends described him as humble, kind, gentle, funny, always smiling and had a great sense of humor.
James enlisted in the Army on January 12, 1955 and was at Fort Leonardwood, MO. James served in the army until January 10, 1958 when he was honorably discharged. James then joined the National Guard until January 11, 1963. James was an active member of the American Legion of Middle River, MN for many years.
James moved his family back to the Newfolden area and began working road construction for Schenkey Inc. in Middle River MN and later went to work for Thorson Construction, Bemidji, MN where he operated a push cat in gravel pits for 34 years until he retired in the 90s. During that time he farmed an 80 acre hobby farm with 100 sheep. Every spring James and Eldor Westman would go around the area and sheer sheep until road construction started.
After retirement James and Betty enjoyed going together to auction sales, flea markets, and the casino in Thief River Falls, MN. James also loved collecting toy John Deere tractors, and going to listen to old time music. He loved teaching his children things about living on a farm and taking care of farm animals. James loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors included his wife Betty Hjelle (of 66 years), of Thief River Falls; Children Russell Hjelle of Hillsboro, ND, Wayne (Tracy) Hjelle of Thief River Falls, MN, Sherry (Dale) Warne of Roseau, MN, and Dean Hjelle of Newfolden, MN. Seven Grandchildren: Jordan, Sammie, Travis, Jessica, Austin, Chris, Cheyenne; 1 sibling Linda Walz of Stephen; sisters-in-law Gwen Hjelle and Ruby Hjelle as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Hjalmer and Hannah Hjelle, sisters Clarice, Grace; brothers Hilton, Kenneth, Clayton; grandchildren Nicholas Warne and Todd Hjelle; daughter-in-law Sue Hjelle; brother-in-law Carl Hjelle; brother-in-law Dennis Walz; sister-in-law Joan Hjelle.
